The Social Conquest of Earth

Edward O. Wilson is one of the world’s preeminent biologists, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and the author of more than 25 books. The defining work in a remarkable career, The Social Conquest of Earth boldly addresses age-old questions (Where did we come from? What are we? Where are we going?) while delving into the biological sources of morality, religion, and the creative arts.

Drags in places,but the chapter on religion and the concluding chapter make this book well worth a credit. People of religion will find Wilson's thoughts difficult to swallow. If the book does nothing else, it will make you think.

The Call of the Wild

Jack London's The Call of the Wild was written in 1903, but Buck's gripping adventure makes for a thrilling listen on audio more than 100 years after it was first published. This gripping story follows the adventures of the loyal dog Buck, who is stolen from his comfortable family home and forced into the harsh life of an Alaskan sled dog. Passed from master to master, Buck embarks on an extraordinary journey that ends with his becoming the legendary leader of a wolf pack.

The narration by Dufris make the story leap off the page (or out of the headphones, more correctly) directly into your very presence. This is a great listen for vacation. The whole family will thrill at Buck's adventures. This is a classic very well done.

Into Africa: The Epic Adventures of Stanley and Livingstone

"Dr. Livingstone, I presume?" So goes the signature introduction of New York Herald star journalist Henry Morton Stanley to renowned explorer Dr. David Livingstone, who had been missing for six years in the wilds of Africa. Into Africa ushers us into the meeting of these remarkable men. In 1866, when Livingstone journeyed into the heart of the African continent in search of the Nile's source, the land was rough, unknown to Europeans, and inhabited by man-eating tribes.

Since there are so many previous reviews of this book, I doubt anyone will see this one. Still, I just had to say how much I enjoyed the story. Everyone knows the two men did eventually meet in the heart of Africa, but the story leading up to and after their meeting was just awesome. The explorations of both men were as riveting as any I've read to date, and what happened to all the key players after the meeting was excellent history. This is a great narrative history. Well (very well) done! Here! Here!

Einstein's Genius Club: The True Story of a Group of Scientists Who Changed the World

From the acclaimed author of The Nobel Prize comes this fascinating portrait of four of the greatest minds in the history of science and the impossible turning point they faced. As World War II wound down, and it became increasingly clear that the Allies would emerge victorious, Albert Einstein invited three close friends - all titans of contemporary science and philosophy - to his home at 112 Mercer Street in Princeton, New Jersey, to discuss what they loved best: science and philosophy.

I gave 5 stars because the history covered is so fascinating, but don't expect the book to be about rambling discussions the four great minds had at Einstein's home. That scenareo is used by the author only as a "launching pad" to the lives of the four men. Very little time is spent on these undocumented meetings. Still, great history.

Random Obsessions: Trivia You Can't Live Without

Did you know Thomas Jefferson's grandson was an ax murderer? Don't you delight in knowing that some dinosaurs were as teeny tiny as hens? Before buying that plane ticket, don't you NEED to know which exotic islands still have cannibals? Wonder what it's like to live in Hell Town at the End of the World? How about an ailment so surreal it's named after Alice in Wonderland? This book is so fascinating and fun, you'll become obsessed, too!

I would most likely have given this book 5 stars, if I had read rather than listened. I love trivia and this book is filled with it, but the information is presented much too fast and in a somewhat disjointed style. The narration didn't help. The pace was much too rapid and I felt that the narrator (and I) were both out of breath from the first word. Full of wonderful arcane trivia but the pace was not comfortable and the information too dense. Get the hard copy!

Wicked River: The Mississippi When It Last Ran Wild

Acclaimed journalist and author Lee Sandlin delivers a riveting glimpse of a dangerous and colorful place in America’s historical landscape - the Mississippi River of the 19th century. Long before it was dredged into a shipping channel or romanticized into myth, the untamed Mississippi - the lifeblood of communities that rose and fell along its banks - spawned a motley array of pirates and dignitaries, visionaries, and thieves.

A series of interesting historical vignettes, some well-known:others not, presented in an animated narration. I love history presented as a "story" and not a plodding trek through dates and factoids. This book is very much akin to The Devil in the White City, American Lightning, Thunderstruck, and Higher. By the way, the aforementioned books are at least 4 star quality as well.

Meltdown: A Look at Why the Economy Tanked and Government Bailouts Will Make Things Worse

The media tells us that "deregulation" and "unfettered free markets" have wrecked our economy and will continue to make things worse without a heavy dose of federal regulation. But the real blame lies elsewhere. In Meltdown, best-selling author Thomas E. Woods, Jr., unearths the real causes behind the collapse of housing values and the stock market---and it turns out the culprits reside more in Washington than on Wall Street.

Having zero background in economics, I found that the author explained very well how we got into this mess. The description of the Austrian Business Cycle theory was concise and easy to understand. Woods gives a road map for how to avoid boom-and-bust cycles and a great defense of (truly)free-enterprise. It's a shame the people in power don't understand sound economic principles.

A Friendly Dialogue Between an Atheist and a Christian

A Friendly Dialogue Between an Atheist and a Christian is an exchange between Luis Palau and Zhao Qizheng, presenting a composite of recorded dialogues held in China. Luis Palau is a well known Christian evangelist and Zhao Qizheng is the vice chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and a former minister of information for China.

Total waste of time. No real discussions of the vast gulf between them; just two guys dancing around their differences and exchanging books. I'm surprised they didn't break their arms patting each other on the back. No philosophical meat here.......Move along people nothing to see here!

Charles and Emma: The Darwin's Leap of Faith

Nearly 150 years later, the theory of evolution continues to create tension between the scientific and religious communities. Challenges about teaching the theory of evolution in schools occur annually all over the country. This same debate raged within Darwin himself, and played an important part in his marriage: his wife, Emma, was quite religious, and her faith gave Charles a lot to think about as he worked on a theory that continues to spark intense debates.

Why this book is being hyped for teens and young adults is beyond me. I'm sixty and found it to be informative, interesting, and moving. The love story of Charles and Emma was amazing, considering the vast differences in their beliefs. There's just enough of the usual "Charles Darwin" history to keep one riveted. Something for the romantic and something for the scientist.....don't monkey around, you should naturally select this book!

A Terrible Glory: Custer and the Little Bighorn

In June 1876, on a desolate hill above a winding river called "the Little Bighorn", George Armstrong Custer and all 210 men under his direct command were annihilated by almost 2,000 Sioux and Cheyenne. The news of this devastating loss caused a public uproar, and those in positions of power promptly began to point fingers in order to avoid responsibility.

Very well researched and written. The author did an excellent job with a very complex and controversial subject. But, it was almost too detailed and way too long. I almost forgot what climax I was headed for several times. I recommend the abridged version , if available.

Your report has been received. It will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.

Can't wait to hear more from this listener?

You can now follow your favorite reviewers on Audible.

When you follow another listener, we'll highlight the books they review, and even email* you a copy of any new reviews they write. You can un-follow a listener at any time to stop receiving their updates.

* If you already opted out of emails from Audible you will still get review emails by the listeners you follow.